Steering wheel feels loose

[joetiii]

So I took a trip on Sunday to Franks Garage and on the way home I noticed the steering wheel moving in my hands like it is loose on the spline. I did a search on Pelican and saw that there is a quick fix shim that goes in the column, but this is for post 74 cars. I understand the bearing is a PITA to replace. Any easier fixes?

[edmayo]

Have you changed steering wheels lately?

[joetiii]

naw... I've had the same wheeel on for two years now. A Nardi wheel

[edmayo]

The reason I asked is that often when steering wheels are changed over people neglect to also change over the spring and collar from the old wheel. Remove your wheel and hub and see if the spring and collar is on it.

[Mr9146]

The spring and washer are the culprits 99.99% of the time. Take the wheel off and look at the hub. The spring goes on the wheel first, and the split washer goes on the wheel second with the flat side against the spring.

Problem 99.99% solved.

[Alan.uk]

In case some more info helps.

http://www.ddk-online.com/phpBB2/vie...722&highlight=

HTH

Alan

[HarryD]

Check this thread for a picture of the spring and bushing: http://www.early911sregistry.org/for...ad.php?t=20963

And if you want some detailed discussion, look here: http://www.early911sregistry.org/for...ead.php?t=9817

[denson]

Joe:

Glad you posted this. Check this story out. I take my 70 S to a porsche dealer when I first bought it seven years ago. Same issue as yours. They bill me a few hundred to replace a bearing. I get the car back and the wobble is still there. I checked my parts book and remove the wheel and find the spring missing. Needless to say, I got the fe hundred back, but the spring was it. They never went to the parts manual during re-assembly and never knew there was a spring in there.

Note, that the spring has a steel retaining washer. They must be put on together. The spring first and the washer behind which serves to hold the spring on the hub. The washer has a lip to it. Make sure the lip goes flush to the spring so that when you put it into the spline the rear of the lip goes into the splined area. Give it a good push into the spline and you should be good to go. Email back if you have a problem.

John

[joetiii]

Where to get said spring and retainer?

[Mr9146]

The spring first and the washer behind which serves to hold the spring on the hub.

Actually, the spring is the pressure that sets the washer into the bearing to prevent the wobble that he's experiencing. While it may fit tightly in some circumstances (not all), it's primary function is not to hold the spring on.

See posts #4 & 5 for the solution to the problem.

Joe, I believe the spring and washer are available new from the dealer for around $50. You may be able to find them at a wrecking yard as well.